News & Events

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) continues to advance its commitment to academic excellence and industry-responsive education through its participation in an international benchmarking initiative in China. 

The engagement aims to strengthen the implementation of the TESDA-CHED Region VII Pilot Ladderized Diploma Program, particularly in developing relevant, competency-based, and future-ready engineering and technology education.

Representing USJ-R in the initiative are University President Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz Jr. and Dr. Dennis Anthony Kilongkilong, Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture.

Hosted by Quanzhou Vocational and Technical University (QVTU), the benchmarking program provides Philippine delegates with opportunities to explore China's approaches to technical and vocational education and training. Key areas of focus include curriculum development, hands-on skills training, industry-education integration, school-enterprise partnerships, and technical talent development.

On Day 1, the learning engagement featured academic exchanges, visits to campus facilities and training centers, and industry benchmarking activities with leading companies, including Midea, Huawei, BYD, Sincetech (Fujian) Technology Co., Ltd., and Panpan Food. These engagements offered participants firsthand insights into how emerging technologies, digital transformation, and evolving industry demands are incorporated into relevant and competency-based training programs.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) continues to demonstrate excellence in Accountancy education, producing another topnotcher in the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) as one of its graduates secures a place among the country's highest-performing examinees in the October 2026 examination.

Robert Cuyong Toledano Jr., a 2026 graduate of the USJ-R School of Business and Management, ranked eighth nationwide with an impressive rating of 90.50 percent. He also completed his review at the university's CPA Review Center.

This latest achievement builds on USJ-R's strong performance in the May 2026 CPALE, where two of its graduates also earned places among the country's topnotchers. Mr. Blas Miguel V. Escarro secured fourth place, while Ms. Joan Alliah M. Carilimdiliman placed tenth in the national licensure examination.

In a press conference, Toledano credited his achievement to the values he developed during his years at USJ-R, particularly the university's three core values of competence, character, and commitment. He also recognized the culture of cooperation and mutual support among the university's faculty members and educators, whose guidance contributed to his academic preparation and professional journey.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) Graduate School, through the Center for Policy Research and Development Studies (CPRDS), successfully held the 2nd Recoletos Graduate Research Congress (RGRC) 2026 at the USJ-R Quadricentennial Building, gathering scholars, researchers, faculty members, and innovators for two days of academic exchange and research collaboration.

Anchored on the theme, “From Knowledge to Impact: Bridging Innovation, Sustainability, and Community,” the congress provided a platform for presenting research, exchanging ideas, and exploring innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Persiuz Joseph M. Decena, OAR, Vice President for Academics and Research, emphasized the importance of socially relevant and ethical research that promotes sustainability and community development. He also highlighted the university’s values of Caritas et Scientia—love and knowledge.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ionell Jay Terogo, Graduate School Director, underscored the role of research in developing evidence-based solutions, informing policies, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

The pre-conference featured four lecture-workshop sessions on research communication, statistical analysis, social science data analysis, and the use of generative artificial intelligence in research and publication.

Plenary talks by Prof. Tanveer Zia of the University of Notre Dame Australia and Dr. John Paolo Rivera explored advances in artificial intelligence, innovation, business, and sustainable development.

Parallel research presentations across seven tracks showcased studies in education, artificial intelligence, business, health, philosophy, communication, and public policy. The three-minute Policy Pitch Competition also highlighted how research can be translated into practical solutions for societal challenges.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and its Department of Communication, Languages, and Literature (DCLL), strengthens its academic partnership with Foundation University (FU) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing and a meaningful dialogue on collaborative opportunities in research, faculty development, academic exchange, internationalization, and institutional capacity building.

Representing USJ-R were Dr. Ian Jarabelo, Chairperson of DCLL, and Ms. Maristela Rose Galia, faculty member of the department. They met with key academic and administrative leaders of Foundation University to discuss potential areas of cooperation and establish a foundation for sustained academic engagement and shared initiatives.

Representing Foundation University were Dr. Charlotte V. Cariño, University Chancellor; Dr. Romario P. Ybanez, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. Alexander S. Baena, Director of the Office of Research and Extension Services; Anna Carla N. Merto, DBA, Internationalization Initiative Coordinator of the Office of Partnership and Global Engagements; Maria Cecilia M. Genove, PhD, EdD, LPT, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Peter Macabingu il, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Juliet Cuizon, Creative Director and Chair of the Broadcast Communication Department; Angela Gabrielle B. Bacang, MAEd, faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Christopher Bernard S. Benong, MAEd, LPT, RChem.Tech., Chair of the Foundation University Ethics Board and faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) joined the Archdiocese of Cebu and other partner institutions as one of the co-presenters of the 2nd Cebu Metropolitan Catholic Mass Media Congress (CM-CMMC), which gathered 662 official participants on October 3–4, 2026 at the USJ-R Recoletos Coliseum in Basak Pardo, Cebu City.

The two-day congress brought together social communication ministers, media practitioners, content creators, educators, campus journalists, and communication professionals from different dioceses and Catholic institutions across the country.

Participants came from the Archdiocese of Cebu, Archdiocese of Palo, and the Dioceses of Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Talibon, Maasin, Butuan, Tagum, Tandag, Ipil, Imus, Parañaque, and Prosperidad, making the gathering a significant convergence of Catholic communicators committed to advancing the Church's mission through media and communication.

The congress featured media practitioners, journalists, broadcasters, educators, and content creators who shared their expertise and experiences in the rapidly changing world of communication. Sessions explored various aspects of media ministry, including digital storytelling, writing and interviewing, audio production, video production, graphic design, layouting, and other practical communication skills.

The partnership between the Church, the academe, and media practitioners was further highlighted during the 2nd Cebu Metropolitan Catholic Mass Media Awards (CM-CMMA), held at SM Seaside City Cebu.

The awards recognized outstanding works and contributions in Catholic mass media and celebrated the efforts of journalists, broadcasters, media organizations, and content creators in promoting responsible and meaningful communication.

Adding to USJ-R's contribution to the awards, Josenian Communication faculty members served as members of the panel of jurors. Their participation brought academic and professional expertise to the evaluation of entries and strengthened the collaboration between communication education and Catholic media ministry.

For USJ-R, being part of the 2nd CM-CMMC as a co-presenter reflects the university's commitment to forming communicators who are not only skilled in their craft but are also grounded in ethics, service, truth, and respect for human dignity.

As artificial intelligence and digital technologies continue to transform the way people create, share, and consume information, the gathering offered a timely reminder that technology remains a tool and that at the heart of every meaningful act of communication is the human person.

 

After completing Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies at The Ohio State University in August 2026, Fulbright scholar Dr. Ionell Jay Terogo has returned to the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) to serve as the new Graduate School Director.

Terogo's Fulbright journey began in 2021, when he received the news that he had been selected as a principal candidate for the Fulbright-CHED Ph.D. Scholarship Program.

Funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and facilitated by Fulbright Philippines, the program provides Filipino tertiary educators opportunities to pursue advanced studies in U.S. higher education institutions aligned with their disciplines and research interests.

For him, the Fulbright experience was more than earning a degree abroad. It was an opportunity to learn from another higher education system, broaden his perspective as an educator, and bring those insights home to contribute to Philippine higher education.

During his time at Ohio State, Terogo engaged in international research and professional conferences, including the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the American Educational Research Association annual meetings. He also received the Graduate Associate Teaching Award in 2025 and the Graduate Teaching Award from the Educational Studies Department in 2026.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) proudly co-hosted the 2026 National Convention of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), held on September 22–25, 2026, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

With the theme “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope,” the four-day national gathering brought together around 3,500 Catholic educators, school leaders, and education stakeholders from across the Philippines for a shared experience of formation, reflection, fellowship, and collaboration.

The theme draws from Pope Leo XIV’s description of Catholic education as a “constellation” a living and diverse network of parish schools, colleges, universities, training centers, movements, digital platforms, and pastoral initiatives that remain connected through one shared mission.

The convention invited Catholic educators to reflect on the evolving identity and mission of Catholic education amid changing national and global realities. It highlighted Catholic education as a space for integral formation, nurturing faith, learning, service, and social responsibility.

 

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) is actively participating in the 32nd General Assembly and Conference of the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU), held on August 19–21, 2025, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Representing USJ-R President Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz Jr., OAR, the university continues to advance its commitment to internationalization and meaningful academic collaboration with institutions across the region and beyond.

A significant highlight of USJ-R’s participation is the forging of partnerships with Sacred Heart (SH) College, Kochi, India, and St. Louis University Baguio through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

SH College was represented by Dr. C.S. Francis, Vice Principal, while St. Louis University Baguio was represented by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, University President.

The MOUs establish collaborative partnerships that reflect the institutions’ shared commitment to quality education, research, innovation, and academic development. These agreements open opportunities that can benefit students, faculty, staff, and the wider academic community.

 

 

Lay administrators from the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) and representatives from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT), and Saint Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL) gathered for a meeting aimed at exploring opportunities for future international collaboration as part of International Project Based Learning (IPBL) 2026, hosted this year by the USJ-R School of Computer Studies.

The meeting served as a platform for the participating institutions to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss possible areas of cooperation in education, research, project-based learning, and international academic engagement.

The gathering highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships among higher education institutions, particularly in creating opportunities for students, faculty members, and administrators to gain international exposure and participate in collaborative learning experiences.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), together with Catholic educational leaders and communities across Region VII, gathered for the 2026 Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Regional Assembly on August 13, 2026, at Mater Dei College in Cabulijan, Tubigon, Bohol. The assembly brought together Catholic educators and leaders in faith, fellowship, and a shared commitment to advancing the mission of Catholic education. Inspired by the 2026 CEAP theme, “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope,” the Regional Assembly renewed the commitment of Catholic educational leaders to provide transformative and faith-filled education. It also strengthened collaboration among CEAP member schools in forming learners who are academically competent, morally upright, socially responsible, and firmly rooted in Gospel values.

Representing USJ-R was the University President and form Regional Trustee of CEAP Region VII (Central Visayas), Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz, Jr., OAR. During the opening program, Rev. Fr. Celiz emphasized the vital role of Catholic schools in forming not only academically capable learners but also compassionate, understanding, and service-oriented individuals. He underscored the importance of education that goes beyond academic excellence, nurturing persons who are committed to serving others and living out the values of the Gospel.

As part of the assembly, Rev. Fr. Celiz also presented the Regional Trustees’ Report, highlighting key developments, initiatives, and priorities in advancing the mission of Catholic education in Central Visayas. As the region’s premier formation and networking event, the CEAP Regional Assembly provides Catholic educational institutions with opportunities for professional development, faith formation, policy updates, institutional collaboration, and the sharing of best practices.

This year’s Regional Assembly also serves as a meaningful preparation for the 2026 CEAP National Convention, scheduled for September 22–25, 2026, at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City. Through keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, and collaborative discussions aligned with national priorities, the assembly continues to strengthen the shared mission of Catholic education and inspire schools to chart new pathways of hope for the learners and communities they serve.